In the city of Paris, it doesn’t matter whether you sit down to a seven-course meal in an opulent restaurant, enjoy a humble omelet at the corner bistro, or even munch on a sandwich purchased from a street vendor, you are sure to enjoy a gastronomic experience unlike anything you can find in America.  Nothing could be more American, however, than the snack—which in Paris has the particular French flair.  Here are Parisian snacks you will not want to miss—and where to find them:

1.  Crêpes.  The Parisian crêpe stand is as ubiquitous as hot dog carts in any major American city.  But of course, a crêpe offers much more versatility than any street dog.  These thin pancakes can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert and come filled with a variety of salé (savory) or sucré (sweet) flavors.  Enjoy a ham and cheese crêpe for lunch and polish off a crêpe à Nutelle et banane for dessert.  Boulevard du Montparnasse has multiple street crêperies where you can enjoy this quintessential Parisian snack.  Half the fun is watching the “chef” fry up the thin-as-parchment pancake in a trice.

2.  Sandwiches Grecs.  These shawarma-filled pitas may look similar to the gyros you can find in America, but the Parisians include French fries in with the roasted meat, lettuce, tomatoes and tzatziki yogurt sauce.  The best Greek eats in Paris are in the Saint-Michel region of the Left Bank, not far from the lovely neighborhood of  Notre-Dame.  Wander up rue de la Harpe to the Gyros restaurant for an inexpensive and delicious meal you will not forget.  (Keep your scarf clean and fit in with the European diners by eating the French fries out of the standwich with a fork).

3.  Pastries.  Any Parisian boulangerie (bakery) worth its salt can offer you an incredible croissant, pain au chocolat or strawberry tart, but if you want to experience the best of the best, try these three shops.

Maison Kayser at 14, Rue Monge in the 5th arrondissement, the famous Latin Quarter, offers a tender, flaky and buttery croissant that will change your definition of the pastry.  Eat it plain or with a thin spread of jam.

The pain au chocolat is the decadent cousin to the already indulgent croissant.  Boulangerie Bechu at 118 Ave. Victor Hugo in the 16th arrondissement, where is located the popular Trocadero, gives you the chocolatey treat with a hint of orange.  It’s an unusual and addictive sweet.

Pastries in Paris

Pastries in Paris

Gérard Mulot’s square tartes aux fraises (strawberry tart) have the sweet crunchy crust, the light crème pâtissière (pastry cream) and the perfectly sweet glazed strawberries that make up an absolutely perfect dessert.  Find the bakery at 75, rue de Seine in the 6th arrondissement, a neighborhood offering plenty of cozy and central accommodations.

Are you ready to take your walking tour of Parisian food?  Why not stay in a great Paris apartment rental?  Here are some great vacation rentals to get you started:

This elegant 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Saint Germain – Luxembourg – Saint Michel – Paris (PA-3758) is within easy walking distance of the sandwiches Grecs of Saint-Michel.  With huge windows, bright rooms and gorgeous hardwood floors, you’ll love spending your vacation here.

For a sleek, chic and modern retreat, look no farther than this 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Saint Germain – Luxembourg – Saint Michel – Paris (PA-3103).  Clean lines, a beautiful black and red color scheme, and an inviting swimming pool onsite make this apartment your perfect pied-à-terre.

Everyone will have a sunny disposition in this 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Latin Quarter – Panthéon – Paris (PA-2844).  Book this apartment and enjoy the warm colors, the cozy balcony with an incredible view, and the Art Deco styling.

What is your favorite snack in Paris?